The 76ers (52-28) have embarked on their final road trip of the regular season, visiting the Atlanta Hawks (41-39) Friday.
The Sixers hold a 2-1 regular season series lead over Atlanta, with all three meetings played prior to Nov. 29.
In the most recent matchup between the two teams - a 104-101 Sixer victory on Nov. 28 - Joel Embiid finished with 30 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and two blocks. In the previous meeting on Nov. 12, Embiid notched a 42-point, 10-rebound double-double, plus six assists, two steals, and two blocks.
Tobias Harris excelled in both wins as well, finishing with a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double on Nov. 28 and 21 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals on Nov. 12.
As of Thursday evening, the Hawks occupy the No. 8 seed in the East and in the upcoming Play-in Tournament.
Atlanta has won three in a row, most recently beating Washington, 134-116, Wednesday in Atlanta.
Trae Young led the way in the victory, notching a 25-point, 16-assist double-double. John Collins scored 23 points and grabbed three boards, while Dejounte Murray added 19 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Young continues to lead the Hawks in scoring and sharing this season, averaging 26.2 points and 10.0 assists per game. Clint Capela leads the club in rebounds (11.1 rpg).
Following Friday’s meeting with the Hawks, the Sixers will visit the Brooklyn Nets (44-36) for a Sunday matinee to mark their regular season finale.
The Sixers dropped their most recent outing Thursday at home versus the Miami Heat. Embiid was the team’s leading scorer, finishing with 21 points, six rebounds, and two assists.
Friday’s matchup tips at 7:30 p.m. ET.
76ers vs. Miami Heat: Apr. 06, 2023
1 / 6PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 6: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on April 6, 2023 at The Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Blue Coats Prevail for First Championship
Meanwhile, the G League Playoffs came to a conclusion Thursday evening, as the Delaware Blue Coats took a 114-110 victory over the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to win their first-ever G League Championship. The title was earned by winning each of their first two games in the best-of-three duel with the defending champion Vipers.
Mac McClung led the way Thursday, finishing with 30 points, four rebounds, and eight assists. Jaden Springer - who also earned Finals MVP honors - recorded 21 points and nine boards in the victory.
Springer averaged 32 points per game in the Finals, after finishing with 43 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks in Game 1.
@Sixers Social:
Quote to Note:
Tobias Harris on priorities ahead of the playoff run:
“Staying healthy - that’s number one. Work on our stuff, work on our execution, offensively and defensively. Figure out where we can be at our best, our ball movement, our skills defensively, and how we’re going to guard during the playoffs. That’s the name of the game for us.”
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